January 29, 2006

ホテル・ルワンダ日本上陸：Hotel Rwanda Released in Japan

Hotel Rwanda was finally released in Japan this month. It was made possible by 26-year-old Uta Mizuki (left) who launched a ballot drive, setting up a community forum on Japan's largest social networking portal called 'mixi.' (The official web is here.)

It's such an amazing development; each single fan gets together to form a big movement to turn what seemed impossible possible. It's also the first case that proved what social networking tool could do in a very short span of time. This young man, for example, had never even thought about launching a forum by himself 'till then. (full story on Nikkei business EXPRESS).

I first saw its campaign banner on a blog of film critics in Oakland, Tomohiro Machiyama. I thought, "Oh yeah, that scene in which Don Cheadle breaks down as he’s tying his necktie is something we should see before we die." I clicked the ballot button right away.

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BTW, on English DVD, you can see the real hotel manager, Paul Rusesabagina, being interviewed at his home in Europe. Watching him reflecting the 1994 genoside from a comfortable chair, I felt a little upset. But then I saw myself, being born and raised in developed nation, residing in developed nation, and what? ..criticizing someone who has gone through the worst nightmare in our time, trying all he could to save people's lives? HOW DO I WANT HIM TO LIVE LIKE? I was so ashamed of myself feeling that way.

The Japan Government has cancelled a US $ 12.65 million debt owed by Rwanda on 26th(allAfrica.com.). I should know where I'm from and what privilege I enjoy.

His interview also reminded me of my first roommate born and raised in Ethiopian family in Rome. Capable of 5 different languages, she got a BA and MA in the States, found a job at an international organization in Switzerland, a job to support underdeveloped nations.

A lot of upper-class African families live abroad for security. But that's not all. African nations need their support from outside as well.